Ronald Garner, who owns Ronnie’s Bistro & Bar on Hoghton Street, is on bail until March on suspicion “of being concerned” in the production of the drug and abstracting electricity.

The Visiter understands that officers unearthed the find, said to have a street value of around £80,000, by chance after visiting the address on a unconnected matter.

A police spokesman said: “Merseyside Police can confirm that a 42-year-old man was arrested on November 26, 2010 on suspicion of being concerned in the production of a controlled class B drug and of abstracting electricity.

“The man was arrested following the execution of a search warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at a property in Regent Road at around 12 noon on November 26.

“He was questioned before being released on police bail pending further enquiries.”

Mr Garner is the proprietor of well-known town centre eaterie Ronnie’s, which describes itself as a “family-friendly restaurant, dedicated to catering for all”.